Roses All The Way?

A CUP OF COLD WATER

Even though our lives falter
We can give a cup of cold water.
There are many thirsty and lost
Seeking and paying a very high cost.

Words of encouragement and hope
Stop them on the slippery slope.
Even though our lives falter
We can give a cup of cold water.

Many have reached their limit
And need food for body and spirit.
Are we prepared to go the extra mile
To give support, comfort and a smile?

Tragedies and disasters abound
And life seems one long round
Of despair and lack of care
BUT
Even though our lives falter
We can give a cup of cold water.

Return

BAD NEWS

It’s easy to panic
It’s easy to fear
It’s all the bad news we hear.
Another beating
Bullying
Murder
Robbery
Every day
What can we do?
What can we say?

Debt is rising
We owe so much.
There doesn’t seem to be
A gentle touch.
“More, more,” everyone seems to say
Have we all lost our way?

I want, I want,
I won’t save or wait
Will leave us
In an unhealthy financial state.
Money can quickly rule
But it is only a tool!

The Good News we should spread
And by the Spirit be led.
This world has been waylaid
Mankind is afraid.
Bad news travels fast
BUT
There’s Good News at last
JESUS

BREATHE ON US

May Your Holy Spirit move across this land
And the people know Salvation’s Plan.
May they seek a different way
Let Jesus Christ in their hearts stay.
BREATHE ON THEM LORD.

 A new way we need to follow
Let’s not in our sins wallow.
Forgiveness and blessings can flow
Jesus can pick us up when we’re low.
BREATHE ON US LORD.

Away with selfishness and greed
Your Word may we heed.
Away with hate and pride
May Your Word deeply abide.
BREATHE ON US LORD.

Away with all that would cause us
To stumble.
Don’t let Your peace
In our lives crumble.
BREATHE ON US LORD.

Away with all, that would grieve
Your Spirit
May we not be taken to our limit.
Whatever we go thro’ You are there
To comfort us in our despair.
BREATHE ON US LORD.

CLIMB A MOUNTAIN

COLOUR

Life is bright
Life is not black and white.
Life is full of colour.

Pinks, reds, greens and blues
An artist’s palette
Splashed before you.

God has used His brush
The colours are so lush.
Life is bright
Life is not black and white
Life is full of colour.

The earth is a canvass
That God’s hand has painted
He has made us acquainted
With all His beauty.

At times I feel I’m laid aside
No door seems open wide.
I’m not sure which way to go
Life seems to be too slow.

What shall I do?
Stay or go?
I’m depressed and feeling low.
Time seems to stand still
Am I losing my strength and will?
It’s hard to wait, to get thro’ another night.
I can’t go on fighting this fight
And yet there’s a stirring deep inside
There is a door open wide.

Jesus waits to come in
And to free us from our sin.
He’s waiting for an invite
He is my strength and Light.

The confusion has disappeared
So too, are the problems I feared.
I’ve opened the door to allow Jesus in
And He has released me from my sin.

We can be tired and cold
And feeling very old.
We have been in battles
War has broken out
And we want to shout
STOP
 

At such times the Lord steps in
Giving us hope and the desire to win
Fighting against all the odds
Covering us with a blanket of love.
 

We have to fight the fear within
And He deals with all sin
Covering us with a blanket of love
Sent from our Heavenly Father above.

Smoother than cream or butter
Were the words he muttered
BUT
In his heart he was at war
This was all a ploy.
Save me Lord.

His words were softer than oil
Here again, this was a ploy.
Someone I had called a friend
Who promised to love me to the end.
Save me Lord.

Loyalty and friendship were broken
And his love was just a token.
This caused me great despair
BUT
I know Your love was there.

Heavenly Father You comforted and sustained
You didn’t desert me but remained
Close so that I could cling
You took away the sting
A Faithful Friend to the end.

Double trouble
Knocked at my door
Entering when I least expected
My life has been deeply affected.

I’m not exempt from trouble or pain
In my life they can make a stain
BUT
I shall not be moved
Even though they’re not removed.

Double trouble
Knocked at my door
Entering when I least expected
My life has been deeply affected.
And yet
Whatever occurs
My voice will be heard
My soul will sing
And my praises ring.

Heavenly Father
Every day
Is Your day.
I am Yours, You are mine
Our lives are intertwined.

My thoughts turn to You
Each moment
Each hour
Each day.

Heavenly Father
You are very special
I am Yours, You are mine
Our lives are intertwined.

Father’s Day is but one day
My Heavenly Father’s Day
Is every day
And that’s how I want
It to stay.

I am Yours, You are mine
Our lives are intertwined.

For my home Lord I pray
May Your peace love and joy
Surround each and every door.

For my city Lord I pray
Oh that it may learn another way.
May Your peace, love and joy
Surround each and every door.

For my country Lord I pray
May it serve You night and day.
May Your peace, love and joy
Surround each and every door.

May justice, mercy and grace
Fill each and every place.
Homes, businesses
And official buildings too
May we develop a deep love for You.

Life has no meaning
Unless You come first
For You Lord I thirst.
Holy Spirit move over this place
Fill us with Your divine grace.

Why are you downcast
Oh my soul?
Let God make you whole.
 

Hope in God
Oh my soul
Let God make you whole.
 

Why are you downcast
Oh my soul?
Remember, remember,
God can make you whole.

God is
My everything
My all in all.
 

God is
All that I desire
Without Him I’m lost.
 

No one can match Him
No one is like Him
No one can replace Him.

We have six special blessings
All different ages
And you can’t buy them with wages!
They are not for sale.
We wouldn’t give them away
In our hearts they will stay.
 

We love them so very much.
Each different
But all having a loving touch.
Thank You Lord for them
And may Your blessings on them descend.

He was not welcomed
He was not loved
Son of Man, Son of God.

He did not crave glory
He did not seek fame
Son of Man, Son of God.

He was despised
He was rejected,
Son of Man, Son of God.

They spat upon Him
They flogged Him
They left Him to die
Son of Man, Son of God.
Guilty – Guilty of loving.

He spoke of His Father
He spoke the truth.
He healed
He raised the dead.
He spoke of another way
And much more
He loved and cared for the poor!

He spoke of injustice
Hypocrisy
Greed
And much more
He loved and cared for the poor!

He cried over Jerusalem
He dined with
Tax collectors
Prostitutes
He touched lepers
And much more
He loved and cared for the poor!

He highlighted sin
Forgave
Restored
Renewed
And much more
He loved and cared for the poor!

GUILTY- GUILTY OF LOVING

I did not welcome
I did not love
The Son of Man, the Son of God.

I craved glory
I sought fame
I wanted much more in this life to gain.

I despised
I rejected
The Son of Man, the Son of God.

I spat upon Him
Flogged Him
And left Him to die.

I did not speak of the Father
I did not speak of the Son
I ignored the Holy One
And much more
I did not love or care for the poor!

GUILTY - GUILTY OF NOT LOVING
BUT
JESUS FORGAVE ME.

Happiness is not in things.
They do not bring
Contentment
Peace
 or
Joy

Remember this when you are tempted to buy.
Ask yourself, “Do I want this?” just try.
You will find it helps to make decisions clear
And then debt you will not fear.
 

There is a difference between wants and needs
 The voice of the Spirit please heed.

Have you heard the news?
Our sanity we don’t have to lose.
Our lives can get back on a even keel
There is a Man who can heal.

Have you heard the news?
No longer need we live in fear
Jesus is still here.
He died to set us free
There is for us a reprieve.

Have you heard the news?
Justice and truth are still alive.
Kindness and care
Are still there.
Faith and hope aren’t in short supply
And shall I tell you why?
JESUS

If You will
You can heal.

You will make the deaf hear.
You will take away fear.

The dead can be raised.
You will guide us thro’ life’s maze.

The blind will see.
Open my spiritual eyes for me.

The lepers will be cleansed.
Broken hearts You will mend.

The dumb will speak
And You will give life to the weak.

You cleanse from sin.
The sinner’s heart You will win.

If You will
You can heal.

Deep down inside
A warm feeling abides
When I think of home.
 

Everyone needs a place
House, room or palace.
Somewhere to hide
Somewhere to run
Somewhere to feel safe
A peaceful, restful, place.
 

Somewhere called HOME.

Jerusalem, I pray for your peace
May all the warring cease.
May peace be within your walls.

Jerusalem, you have suffered much
Now you need a gentle touch.
May peace be within your walls.

Jerusalem, so many lives lost
The price of freedom has cost.
May peace be within your walls.

Jerusalem, to many you’re a spiritual home
Throughout history you’ve been known.
May peace be within your walls.

Jerusalem, come what may
In my heart you will stay.
May peace be within your walls.

No one can heal like Jesus.
No one can save but Jesus.
He is there to pick us up
To raise us up
To set us free
This is His great love for you and me.

No one brings peace like Jesus.
No one performs miracles like Jesus.
He’s there for us day and night
Ready to assist in any plight
BUT
His love should be returned.
His love shouldn’t be spurned.
Do we accept all that comes our way?
Do we want Him to sort out every affray?

We can become too familiar with blessing
And expect release from testing
That we face each and every day
Expecting deliverance come what may.

Don’t let’s take Him for granted
Nor become cold hearted.
Remember the sacrifices He made
On that cross He stayed.

He gave us life
He set us free
Oh Lord, heal me
And I shall be healed.
Save me and I shall be saved
Only You will I praise.

You have the power
The power to create
The power to pull down.
 

The power to break
The power to mend.
 

The power to maintain
The power to change.
 

You have the power
You are the Creator
You are the King of Kings.

Let me always remember Your Word
Since young I have heard.
 

I want to obey
Stay
Living Your Way.
 

Let nothing lead me astray
I am weak
For strength I pray.
 

I shall not turn to left or right
Your Heavenly Kingdom
Should always be in my sight.

The Lord made us all
But sin caused the Fall.
How can we get back to that place
And rest in a state of grace?

Jesus came to put it right
And to free us from our plight.
Eternal Life and freedom from sin
And our hearts He came to win.

He became the substitute
And was absolutely resolute
From Salvation’s Plan He wouldn’t be distracted
And many to Him were attracted.

The sick
The lost
Hungry
Confused
Came to Him
And weren’t refused.

Jesus is the same
Yesterday, to-day and forever
These words we should always remember.

He will forgive our sins
And find us when we’re lost
He has already paid the cost.

My life is a mess
Each day is a test.
Will all come together?
I’m at the end of my tether.

Ruins
Rubble
And much trouble
It’s time to make
It’s time to create
A new life.

Away with the old
And in with the new
God is my Maker
God is my Creator.

He is Designer
Builder
And Architect
Upon these words
I will reflect.

Away with the old
And in with the new.
God is my Maker
God is my Creator.

Whatever is going on in life
I can still find peace
By letting all irritations cease!
 

It is difficult to control self
And not be influenced by wealth
Something deeper drives us on!
 

A deeper power – a deeper drive
The power of God is alive
Working inside.

When lies are spoken
Do we speak the truth?

When black is called white
Do we give a reproof?

When justice is in short supply
Do we reply?

When the weary are exhausted
Do we help them to find rest?

When the sick are in despair
Are we there?

When the lonely are neglected
Are we affected?

Do we pray?
Do we say?
Do we care?
Do we share?

There are many ups and downs
Painful, hurtful times
and yet
There are blessings and happiness.
Roses all the way?
NO
But in my heart Jesus stays.

We can be lonely and neglected
Also at times feeling rejected.
Painful, hurtful times
and yet
There are blessings and happiness.
Roses all the way?
NO
But in my heart Jesus stays.

He comforts
 He guides
He opens the door wide.
In His Presence we can rest
In His Presence we are blessed.

He will wipe the tears away.
In His presence we will finally stay.
At that time we won’t feel lonely
Neglected
or
Rejected.

Roses all the way?
YES
When in His Presence
We finally stay.

Let Your face shine upon me.
Teach me Your ways.

I desire more of You
I thirst
I hunger
I can’t wait much longer.

I’m desperate for more of You.
Let Your face shine upon me.
Teach me Your Ways.

It hurts when others don’t love You.
They won’t listen to Your Word
Even though they have heard
BUT
I desire more of You
I thirst
I hunger
I can’t wait much longer.

Hear me Lord
Hear my desperate plea.
You are the only One for me.

Stand up, stand up
And be true
Speak of the things
God has done for you.

Tell mankind
 There’s another way
In their sin
They don’t have to stay.

They can be free
There’s a new day dawning
God will deal with their mourning.

Stand up, stand up
And be true
Speak of the things
God has done for you.

The innocent suffer
The guilty go free
Why, oh why, can’t they see?

Justice is in short supply
And society is built upon a lie.
Why, oh why, can’t they see?

The land is groaning
The people moaning
Why, oh why, can’t they see?

Lord, open their eyes
So that they may see.
Warm their hearts
Oh, that they maybe free.
Stand up, stand up
And be true
Speak of the things
God has done for you.

Dreams can be smashed
As the waves lash.
Fear takes hold
We forget all we’ve been told.
Panic sets in
We know we can’t win

BUT

Jesus says, “Peace be still”
And our lives He will heal
Mending those with broken hearts
Giving us all a brand new start.

Yes, although problems we’ll face
We shall have His grace.
The storms He calms
The battering waves will cease
And He will again restore peace.

PEACE BE STILL

You’re the Captain
You’re in control.

You’re at the helm
Your presence overwhelms.

Your laws are tough
Given because You love.

You’re strict but just
Curbing my wanderlust.

Storms come and go
Making me mentally low
BUT
You’re the Captain of this ship
With You in control I won’t slip.

You saved me from a cruel sea
You were a lifeline to me.

Unbelief and fear

Bring sadness and tears.

Our spiritual temperature falls

And peace doesn’t rule!

We feel sick inside

And darkness resides.

A plaster

Isn’t the answer

It’s time to seek

A different release.

THE GREAT PHYSICIAN

Have I a listening ear?

Do I hear?

Do I obey?

In His presence do I stay?
 

Sometimes I shut my ears

Sometimes I don’t obey

And in His Presence I don’t stay!

Sorry Lord.

As we sit down to eat
Consuming our vegetables and meat
Do we realise we are blessed?
 

Many don’t have much to eat
Not even a morsel of wheat!
Do we realise we are blessed?
 

We are blessed beyond measure
Pure water is a priceless treasure
From our taps it pours
And, of course, installed indoors!
Do we realise we are blessed?

Like the Children of Israel
I’ve waited to be set free
Someone to release me from tyranny.
Someone who would make the darkness light
Someone who would help me in my fight.

The promise for many years I heeded.
It gave the strength and courage I needed
BUT
The Messiah came not as expected
A great earthly leader I wanted elected.
My Messiah was one who washed feet!
A servant’s role, that’s a defeat!
How can this be?
He’s let me down
Thorns were made into His crown!

No royal palace, no costly robes
No armies to conquer the globe!
I think I’ve got it wrong
This isn’t the Messiah for whom I longed.

BUT
Yes, I had it wrong
His example I should follow
He gave hope of a new tomorrow.
I’m not looking at the greater plan
Jesus, Son of God, Son of Man.
He came to set me free
On that Cross at Calvary
HE IS THE MESSIAH

Find a safe place
Where you can face
The problems and troubles which distress
And you will see how God can bless.

Find a safe place
Where you can rest
Let down your guard
Although it will be hard.

You’ve struggled for years
You’ve had many tears
You’ve been alone
Your heart has felt like stone.
Now is the time to encourage change
All the arrows will be out of range.

Seek the safe place
For there is grace
No trouble or pain
And much to gain.
 God welcomes those
Battered and bruised
And who feel they have been used.

 When life’s problems press
And I feel I’m undergoing a test
I say to myself in my despair
“God, I know You’re there.
Nothing is too hard for You.”

You lead me thro’ the darkest days
Even though I neglect Your Ways.
I can’t seem to face the problems that come
But I look to Jesus, God’s Son.
God, I know You’re there
Nothing is too hard for You.

His compassion lifts
He mends rifts.
Darkness turns to light
In His sight

THERE IS NOTHING TOO HARD FOR YOU.

Let us give honour to
Father
and
Son
They are one.

Let us give praise to
Father
and
Son
They are one.

Let us bow down to
Father
and
Son
They are one.

Let us pay homage to
Father
and
Son
They are one.

If we know the Father
We know the Son
They are one.

If we know the Son
We know the Father
They are one.

They love evil more than good.
Oh, that they would
Love the Lord with all their heart.

They boast of mischief done
Against the Lord and His Son.
Oh, that they would
Love the Lord with all their heart.

Their tongues are razor sharp
Cutting close to the heart.
Oh, that they would
Love the Lord with all their heart.

They love words that destroy
Deceit is their ploy.
Oh, that they would
Love the Lord with all their heart.

Those who refuse to hear
Will suffer many tears.
Wayward, uncaring,
Lacking justice, weaving deceit
Their lives are destructive and incomplete

BUT

Those who love You and follow
Their lives are not hollow.
They are like a green olive tree
This is how I want it to be.
I don’t seek those things of earth
Nor seek power or wealth.

You’re all that I need
Your voice I will heed
You’re my Refuge and Strength.
I will go to any length
To draw close to You.

No time for our Heavenly Father

No time for our family

No time for our friends

No time to rest

No time to think

No time to put right

No time, no time
 

It’s gone!

Tears
Fears
Wax and wane
 

Depression
Oppression
Wax and wane
BUT
Strength comes for the soul
We will be made whole.
 

Cling to Jesus
Cling to the Son.
Changes take place
As we face
All that comes our way.

WHEN TIMES ARE HARD

Wars do not cease
Do we say
Peace, peace
When there is no peace?

Many are hungry
Many are dying
Do we say
Peace, peace
When there is no peace?

Have our lives come to a halt?
God we haven’t sought.
Do we say
Peace, peace
When there is no peace?

Quietness
Doesn’t mean peace!
When wars cease
It doesn’t mean peace!
When angry, hurtful words cease
It doesn’t mean peace!

TRUE PEACE COMES FROM GOD

Why do I say the things that I do?
Why do I at times hurt you?
Why don’t I hurry to say, “I’m sorry”
Why oh why?
 

Yes at times I can be very cross
And my peace I have lost.
Why do I wait until this stage
Letting irritation turn to rage!
 

What I must do is very clear
From destructive emotions I must steer
Allowing God’s love to bring me thro’
And forgiving those who hurt me too!

WHY DO WE HURRY?

Why are we always rushing around?
This will make our problems compound.
Stress increases
Peace decreases
Don’t hurry, don’t hurry
It’ll only make you worry.
 

Why do I want instant results?
And when I don’t get them, sulk?
Life has its seasons
God has His reasons.
Don’t hurry, don’t hurry
It’ll only make you worry.

YOU ARE

You are my hiding place
Wherein is a state of grace.

You are my shining Light
You make all things right.

You are my Comforter and Friend
Your peace You send.

You give strength for another day
You give me wise words to say.

You will never let me down
What peace I have found.